Ross raises nearly $2M for Ark. governor bid

The former congressman has raised more than $1.96 million over the past three months and has $1.7 million in the bank, according to documents filed with the secretary of state's office.

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By Associated Press

Stuttgart Daily Leader - Stuttgart, AR

By Associated Press

Posted Jul. 16, 2013 at 11:13 AM

By Associated Press
Posted Jul. 16, 2013 at 11:13 AM

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.

Mike Ross has raised nearly $2 million since launching his bid for Arkansas governor in April, outpacing his rival for the Democratic nomination and the Republicans seeking the state's top office, campaign finance reports filed Monday show.

The former congressman has raised more than $1.96 million over the past three months and has $1.7 million in the bank, according to documents filed with the secretary of state's office. Monday was the deadline for state candidates to file their fundraising reports for the quarter, which ended June 30.

"We have a lot of work to do before Election Day, but I think it's clear we've got a strong start and a lot of momentum on our side," Ross said in a statement released by his campaign.

Ross' numbers easily surpassed that of former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination. Halter reported raising $102,900 over the past three months and has $979,846 in the bank. Most of that money comes from a $640,000 loan Halter gave to his campaign in March.

The bulk of the money Ross has raised so far, about $1.8 million, is for his primary campaign; Halter raised $92,900 for his.

Halter's campaign acknowledged the former Clinton administration official brought in less money during the quarter than hoped for, but said they believed he had enough to compete for the state's top office.

"Ultimately this election won't be won or lost based on who has the most or least money. It will be about who has the best ideas to move Arkansas forward," Halter spokesman Bud Jackson said.

Ross had initially decided against running for governor, but reconsidered and joined the race after Attorney General Dustin McDaniel dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination over questions about an extramarital relationship. Halter announced his bid on Jan. 25, the same day McDaniel dropped out.

Former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson, who is seeking the Republican nomination, reported raising more than $370,000 over the past three months and has $649,168 in the bank for his bid. Hutchinson, who announced his candidacy in January, said he believed he was well positioned to win in 2014.

"We are more than 15 months away from election day," Hutchinson said in a statement released by his campaign. "But in the early stages of the campaign I am thrilled at the response of Arkansas voters to our campaign."

Little Rock businessman Curtis Coleman, who is also seeking the Republican nomination, reported raising $101,714 during the quarter. That amount includes a $25,000 loan Coleman gave his campaign.

A fundraising report was not available for state Rep. Debra Hobbs, who launched her bid for the GOP nomination last month. Hobbs only reported transferring $7,125 in surplus funds left from her House campaign to her gubernatorial bid.

Page 2 of 2 - Republicans believe they're poised to win the governorship after November's gains, including taking over the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction. Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe is barred by term limits from seeking re-election next year.